[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 106 (Friday, July 31, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S9552]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NICKEL SOLUTION

  Mr. SPECTER. Mr. President, I come before the Senate today to 
recognize the 15-year anniversary of a unique partnership between labor 
and management in the glass container manufacturing industry. This 
highly successful program in the glass container industry is called the 
``Industry Union Glass Container Promotion Program'' or Nickel 
Solution. This effort is a fine example of workers and employers 
joining together during a time of change and transition in America's 
oldest industry. Since the 1700s, the men and women who make glass 
containers have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to produce the best 
in glass packaging. The Nickel Solution is one shining example of that 
dedication.
  The State of Pennsylvania is home to six glass container 
manufacturing plants--more than any other state except California. 
These facilities mean good paying jobs for approximately 3,000 
Pennsylvanians and are major employers in Brockway, Clarion, 
Connellsville, Crenshaw, Glenshaw and Port Allegany, Pennsylvania.
  The Nickel Solution was based originally on voluntary contributions 
of a nickel per hour of pay from glass container industry employees to 
support a national fund to promote glass packaging and safeguard jobs. 
In turn, employers matched the contributions, setting the stage for 
joint cooperation and promotion.
  Through glass plant public relations committees, staffed by employee 
volunteers, the glass container industry's interests are well monitored 
and protected. Employees educate communities about glass recycling, 
conduct ``buy in glass'' promotions, and act as the front line for 
local, regional, and state advocacy. The Nickel Solution has enabled 
both labor and management to accomplish their goals of relative 
stability and secure employment for thousands of people in some 60 
plants in 24 states throughout the country.
  The Nickel Solution is simple and works, proving its value time and 
again. The Nickel Solution has enabled the glass container industry to 
march forward to a brighter future.
  Mr. President, the U.S. Department of Labor has recognized this 
program as a ``model for the 21st century.'' In addition, Labor 
Secretary Herman has recognized this anniversary in the form of a 
letter congratulating the men and women of the U.S. glass container 
industry. I ask unanimous consent that the Secretary's letter be 
printed in the Record and I salute the great success of the Nickel 
Solution and the workers and management of the glass container 
industry.
  There being no objection, the letter was ordered to be printed in the 
Record, as follows:

                                           Secretary of Labor,

                                          Washington, May 4, 1998.
     Mr. James Rankin,
     International President, Glass, Molders, Pottery and Allied 
         Workers International Union, Media, PA.
       Dear Mr. Rankin: On the occasion of the 15th anniversary of 
     the Industry-Union Container Promotion Program, I want to 
     compliment the men and women of the North American glass 
     container industry for their continued dedication to the well 
     being of America's oldest industry. I also want to compliment 
     the unique labor-management partnership for its tradition of 
     cooperation, environmental stewardship and job preservation.
       The Industry Union Glass Container Promotion Program--or 
     Nickel Solution--is a fine example of workers and employers 
     joining together to strengthen an important U.S. industry 
     during a time of transition and transformation. Working 
     together, you have made sure that the glass container 
     industry will continue to thrive well into the 21st century.
       Congratulations and best wishes,
           Sincerely,
     Alexis M. Herman.

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